Kate Middleton Topless Photos Published in French Magazine

KateMiddleton and Prince William are "saddened" and "disappointed" by French tabloid magazine Closer's decision to publish photos of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless in its latest issue, a source close to the royal couple tells Us Weekly.

The photos are blurry and taken with a long lens, but they are clearly of the English royals, both 30, according to the BBC. The spouses, who tied the knot in April 2011, are currently visiting Kuala Lumpur Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Tour, honoring her 60 years on the British throne.

"Their sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we learn more about the photographs," Miguel Head, the royal couple's press secretary, tells Us in a statement. "We believe a real line has been crossed and we are consulting with French lawyers about what, if any, legal action will be taken."

"The incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and all the more upsetting to the Duke and Duchess for being so," he added. "Their Royal Highnesses had every expectation of privacy in the remote house. It is unthinkable that anyone should take such photographs, let alone publish them."

Head added, "Officials acting on behalf of Their Royal Highnesses are consulting with lawyers to consider what options may be available to the Duke and Duchess. The Duke and Duchess remain focused currently on their Tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu on behalf of HM The Queen."

The couple reportedly learned about the photos over breakfast in Kuala Lumpur. "Understandably they are furious," a second insider says. "It's such a shame."